#2. Daily life with a Classic Mini. A love and hate relationship.

[@johnthorburn3712]

You speak for me - the way I felt when I got my first car, a 1969 Austin 850 Mini. I used to say that if someone gave me a Rolls Royce, I'd sell it and buy a Mini! I'm 70 now, have a reliable Toyota, but that old Mini love will always be with me, and watching your video rekindles it!

[@ipanemabeach2266]

Brilliant! Long live Bob and your self! You are very inspirational!

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Thank you so much!!! Glad you liked the episode!

[@patrickclackett]

Thanks for a superb video and commentary. You are so right. I am in my sixties now, my wife and I have a mini that was made in 1984, two years after we were married. It has been a daily driver, a part of the family, a friend. It just needs, as you say, care and attention to keep it reliable. We could never live without a mini. Thanks for the videos

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Thank you for watching the video!! cars back in the days where trully part of the family and its so sad to see such habbits vanish with the modern times! I hope you and your wife get to enjoy your mini on strolls and rides as often as possible!

[@eight50]

Great video, and completely agree with you. Your commentary on why we are so passionate about our minis could not be better stated. Mine is a daily driver too. It’s one of the most comfortable cars for me to drive - and I’m 189cm. I couldn’t live without a mini in my life! Look forward to watching the rest of your videos.

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Quite honestly I can't picture myself without a classic mini either and recent announcements about banning petrol powered cars in the next decade or so spooks me out! Can you imagine being forced to drive a dorky car which makes no noise, doesn't leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere for no apparent reason and has no soul in it? What stories will I be sharing with my friends when that happens? I need to start planning a hybrid version of the car soon...😈

[@SunnyMiniuk]

making me miss driving mine so much now, been off the road 5 years, guess i better get to repairing it now.

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Do It! And get that mini on the road and drive the living soul out of it and repair it again! 🙃😁

[@llewepacnomis]

Thanks for a great video, I really enjoyed the areal footage. I have to say I totally agree with you about driving modern cars, it can be a really soulless experience. I have just sold my Mercedes A180 in order to buy a thirty four year old Mini Cooper S. It's the best ride you can own.

[@TheMiniDiaries]

I couldnt agree more with you! Its such a rare experience driving a car like a classic mini. I feel quite privilleged by the fact that I actually own a car that makes all the " i wish i had a Porsche or a Ferrari" kind of thoughts non existent in my mind. There are only three other cars out there that I can think of that are as unique and fun to drive despite their humble, down to earth roots. The Citroen 2CV, the Citroen DS (ok not so humble this one) and the Fiat 600. Besides, no technology gadgets and full extra loaded modern car can put a smile on someones face while downshifting from 3rd to 2nd on a tight bend down a beautiful country side road like a classic mini does. Hand cranked window down, a breeze on your face and the muffler echoing through the narrows as if you are the king of the world. Selling yor A180 for a classic mini is a great choice i believe!! All you need now for it, is a name and Bob's you uncle! ;-)

[@l33lvr]

You seem like such a humble guy, I’ve always wanted a classic mini since I was a child and watching you talk with such passion just makes me want one even more✨🙏🏼

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Well, there is nothing practically stoping you from getting your hands on a little rascal is there? :-)

[@l33lvr]

@@TheMiniDiaries Hoping to have my own within the next few months😁🤞🏼

[@dilansasanka1979]

my favorite

[@TheMiniDiaries]

:-)

[@NetWit20]

😀Just a perfect video with a spot on commentary about how we feel about our Minis.

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Aaahhh them little buggers! Once in love with a mini you re done for life! There is no escaping the mini hateful love! 🙃

[@NetWit20]

My '68 and I saved each other through the hardest of times.

[@TheMiniDiaries]

@@NetWit20 in all honesty I know the feeling! For most people Bob was a rustbin when I first got my hands on him. He may be an old sport but he sure has a sturdy soul. We both did well through the hardest of times as you very well say! Whats your 68s name?

[@dauwg99]

Awesome video man. Subscribed!

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Thank you Dawg! 😎

[@dauwg99]

@@TheMiniDiaries @The MINI Vlog test drove one today. Was super exciting! Is it normal that it requires such force on the brake pedal?? That part surprised me a bit...

[@TheMiniDiaries]

@@dauwg99 to be honest "normal" for cars from that era can vary a bit!! For my case where my set up is without a servo assist unit it all depends on the set up of the car. When I had front drum brakes, stopping the car was an ordeal to say the least and pressure on the brake pedal had to be substantial yet thoughtfully applied if i didn't want to end up in a ditch somewhere. A single line brake pump further conytributed to that. When I switched to disc brakes with a dual brake pump the braking performance improved dramatically. Stopping distance was reduced siginficantly, braking response was spot on and the required pressure on the pedal was a lot less. In all honesty the braking system of a classic mini with front disc brakes works extremely well and efficiently provided everything is properly set up and maintained. Adding a servo assist unit will surely reduce the amount of force required on the pedal for sure!

[@rubenvalente]

Now i want to have a classic Mini too😀
With todays stupid speed limits, the only real way to have pleasure driving, is to drive something from that era.

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Ruben that couldn't be further from the truth!! Even if there is a speed limit, with some cars who cares. Doing 45 mph on a std factory spec 1970's mini feels just like 90....and 65-70mph....oh man last time i pushed mine to that i was looking around for Dr.Spoc to initiate Warp Speed sequence! :-) What are ytou waiting for !! Life is too short to waste it on boring automobiles....

[@rubenvalente]

@@TheMiniDiaries
But that was exactly what i was saying, the Mini is the perfect car for our times!
It doesn't needs to be at ridiculous speeds to be fun like modern cars.
I'm really thinking about going on this path.

[@TheMiniDiaries]

@@rubenvalente go for it seriously!! It will give you a smile everytime you hop on and drive even without a destination in mind! it will be the route you will enjoy! oh and skip the highways....I hate them highways....so boring and dull and controled. Everytime i freak out and take Bob out for a spin on old road networks and country roads, I always return home with a big ass smile on my face.

[@TurboMinicom]

Nicely put together video, with some great scenic shots. I really enjoyed it.

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Thank you fro your comment!! Trust me there is plenty more were that came from! Shooting new footage tomorrow and new episode will be out this coming week! Stay tuned fellow mini lover!

[@romario11star]

The MINI is a cute and fun car, isn't it?
I am riding a MINI in Japan.
I liked to see other people's MINI and visited.

[@TheMiniDiaries]

It sure is so much fun to drive! It's a pain in the butt when it breaks down but the epic drive makes up for it always!

[@cynthiacinzia]

What a life, Jorge! keep going! your Bob makes me miss my yellow beetle back home!!

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Then maybe you should bring your yellow bettle to where you are!

[@dilansasanka1979]

after I parked my car, I looked back twise every time.if you dont do that please change your car.😋

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Well even If I skip to look back from time to time I still wouldnt change my car even if someone offered me RR in exchange! :-)

[@dilansasanka1979]

@@TheMiniDiaries mini just not a car.its a addicted

[@kiki6288k]

I love both you and Bob!

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Bob and I definitely love you back! ;-)

[@ilfred6857]

It is a small but very powerful car as an engine. Agile and snappy. As external and internal dimensions, it is very reminiscent of the old Fiat 500, even if this was much less powerful. It is certainly not a car for tall people, but it is a lot of fun to drive. In Italy, there were many in circulation, until a few years ago. Now, these Minis are meant for a circle of historic car enthusiasts. Steering wheel, gear lever, pedals: they are certainly not soft and indeed it requires a certain physical effort, but on the other hand, at the time in which it was built, like all cars of that era, there were no brake boosters and similar stuff. For those with a large foot size, it is almost mandatory to drive barefoot: but perhaps this is one of the pleasures of driving. In this way, there is a greater feeling with the car. Do you usually drive with shoes, or do you prefer to drive barefoot?

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Hey Fred!! i do indeed drive barefoot especially dring spring, summer and autumn time of the year. It does give you the feeling of being more connected to the car while driving but then again I enjoy walking barefoot in general. Pedals and controls ( excluding the steering wheel) are actually quite soft for a car of its era. The hydraulic clutch is descent in its feel an so are brakes and gear lever. Its definitely a fun factory driving the mini and truth be told old tiny Fiats are a joy as well. I have never had the pleasure of driving a 500, but my brother used to own a Zastava 750M which was the same a Fat 600 I believe and it was sushc a joy to drive!
What kind of car do you own?

[@ilfred6857]

@@TheMiniDiaries I'm sorry but I only just read your reply. First of all, just like you, I drive barefoot from spring to autumn. Sometimes even in winter, but in this case I drive with socks, not totally barefoot. And for me too, it's the best feeling to really be in touch with the car. And like you, I like walking barefoot, which I often do, as well as driving barefoot. In the past, many years ago, we had a Fiat Topolino, model C, from around 1953. I have had several Alfa Romeos (Alfetta/ Alfa 75/ Alfa 145). I currently own a Fiat Panda L, small in size but very comfortable.

[@handsonbrompton7875]

👏🏻👏🏻👍

[@mindthebumpproductions]

Beautiful video! I want a ride in Bob so much now. Pretty please?

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Pretty yes! :-) be just a littel bit patient and you wil see how and when!

[@angelsone-five7912]

I have always loved Minis pretty much for the same reasons as you but modern cars are way too complicated, get a misfire and you need a computer! lol

[@GTE_Channel]

I always smile when I drive our Mini. It's just pure fun.

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Get two misfires and you need a hacker to sort them out! I don't know I just don't feel the same level of comfort while in a modern car cause should anything happen I will be left helpless in the middle of nowhere.

[@jkk244]

My classic Mini is Bob’s sister, Emma.

[@TheMiniDiaries]

And where does Emma reside then? Bob may wanna meet his sister along the way!😁

[@jkk244]

@@TheMiniDiaries She and I live in Texas. So, while I’d love you to come visit us on your adventures, it’s a little out of your way.

[@TheMiniDiaries]

@@jkk244 challenge accepted! All I need is a little time on my hands, a proper Texas hat and a shot gun at the rear windscreen

[@jkk244]

@@TheMiniDiaries I’ll have some ice cold beer and lots of tasty Texas barbecue waiting for you.

[@TheoXydias_PerlaCoffeeTrailer]

Σου δίνω 2 3ακτινα αν μου δώσεις το ασπρο να το βάλω στο μκ1 μου :D

[@TheMiniDiaries]

Έχω και τριακτινο κύριε μου! Δε μας δελεάζετε με τέτοιες προσφορές! Κάτι πχιο εκλεκτόν...😌

[@TheoXydias_PerlaCoffeeTrailer]

@@TheMiniDiaries hhhaa σε εψαχνα καιρό. δεν ξέρω αν είχες βάλει το μινι αγγελία η ήταν άλλο. ειχα δει το τιμονι και είχα λυσσάξει :p. είχαμε άσπρο τιμόνι το πεταξαν και ψάχνω να βρω καιρό. ωραίο το βίντεο. δες στο καναλι μου έχω κάνει tutorial για το μινι. βρες με Facebook

[@TheMiniDiaries]

@@TheoXydias_PerlaCoffeeTrailer Βρες ένα μαύρο τιμόνι και βάψτο ρε συ! Εγω αυτό έκανα! Θα σε σκαλίξω στη γιουτουμπα!

[@TheoXydias_PerlaCoffeeTrailer]

@@TheMiniDiaries καλησπέρα μετά από καιρό. μαύρο τιμόνι βρήκα πως το έβαψες; φανοπειο;

[@TheMiniDiaries]

@@TheoXydias_PerlaCoffeeTrailer σωστός! 2Κ βαφή αλλα θέλει υπερβολικά προσεκτική προετοιμασία στο καθάρισμα - τριψιμο αστάρωμα για να μη σου κανει φουσκαλίτσες! στείλε φωτό όταν το κάνεις!